Getting Involved at Your Child's School

Whether your child is just starting kindergarten, entering the final year of larger community.

The school isn't the only one to reap the benefits of your involvement. By offering some of your time to the school, and by interacting with teachers, administrators, and other parents on a regular basis, you can gain a first-hand understanding of your child's daily activities and some insight into the trends and fads of school life that will help you communicate with your child as he or she grows and changes (all without intruding on your child's privacy or personal space).

Even if you haven't been involved in the past, it's never too late to start; in fact, it may be more important than ever to get involved when your child reaches secondary school. However, some parents may experience "volunteer burnout" by the time their children enter high school or may decide that the schools don't need them as much when the child leaves the primary grades. But many parents who volunteered a lot of time during their children's elementary years may have returned to full-time careers by the time their children reach their

act as a classroom helper

mentor or tutor students

help children with special needs

volunteer in a school computer lab

help organize, cater, or work at fundraising activities such as bake sales or car washes

act as a lunchroom or playground monitor

help to plan and chaperone field trips, track meets, and other events that take place away from the school

help to plan and chaperone in-school events (i.e., dances, proms, or graduation ceremonies)

organize or assist with a specific club or interest group (if you have an interest in an activity that isn't currently available to students, offer to help get a group started - for example, a chess club or cycling team)

assist coaches and gym teachers with sports and fitness programs or work in the school concession stand at sporting events

help the school administrators prepare grant proposals, letter-writing campaigns, or press releases or provide other administrative assistance

attend school board meetings

work as a library assistant or offer to help with story time or reading assistance in the school library

sew costumes or build sets for theatrical and musical productions

work with the school band or orchestra or coach music students individually

help out with visual arts, crafts, and design courses and projects

hold a workshop for students in trade or technical programs

spend some time with a specific club or interest group (approach the teacher who sponsors the group)

volunteer to speak in the classroom or at a career day, if you have a field of expertise that you'd like to share

supervise or judge experiments at a science fair

Remember that not everyone is suited for the same type of involvement - you may have to "try on" a number of different activities before you find something that feels right. If you're at a loss for how you can help, just ask your child's teacher, who will likely be glad to help you think of something!

Questions to Ask

When you offer to help out, find out how much of a time commitment you'll be expected to contribute, and if you'll be expected to help out on an ongoing basis. Are you going to repair the costumes for the spring musical, or will you be expected to keep the drama department's supplies in good condition year-round? Are you chaperoning the track meet or coaching the whole season?

Be sure to ask if there are any financial costs associated with your volunteer activities. If you're chaperoning a field trip, for example, find out if you'll be required to pay for transportation and admissions costs. Find out if you'll need to transport students in your own vehicle or if a school bus will be provided. If you're organizing or helping out with an activity that will take place off the school grounds, be sure to find out if there are any specific school regulations you need to keep in mind or any liability issues you should consider.

Getting Started

Here are a few tips to keep in mind once you've signed up for the volunteer opportunities of your choice:

Make it clear before you begin just how much time you're willing to volunteer. Even stay-at-home parents don't have an unlimited amount of time to volunteer at their child's school - many parents have other activities and interests, as well as other children to care for. Don't be afraid to say no if you're being asked to do more than you feel comfortable with - just try to say it early enough so that someone else can be found to take your place, because many trips and activities can't be taken unless the school has a certain number of chaperones or supervisors.
Start small. Don't offer to coordinate the holiday bake sale, the band recital, and a swim meet all at once! If you've taken on too much, find out if you can delegate some duties to other interested parents.
Don't give your child special treatment or extra attention when you're volunteering at the school. Follow your child's cues to find out how much interaction works for both of you. Most kids enjoy having their parents involved, but if your child seems uncomfortable with your presence at the school or with your involvement in a favorite activity, consider taking a more behind-the-scenes approach. Make it clear that you aren't there to check up on him or her - you're just trying to help out the school.
Get frequent feedback from the teachers and students you're working with. Find out what's most and least helpful to them, and get suggestions about what you can do to make the most of the time you spend on school activities. It's important to keep the lines of communication open among teachers, administrators, students, and volunteers, and to be flexible and responsive as the needs of the students and the school change.

When volunteering at your child's school, remember that the work you do not only benefits your child, but will enrich the classroom, the whole school, and the entire community by providing students with positive interaction, support, and encouragement. And don't underestimate the students - you may feel that what you have to offer might not interest them or might be above their heads, but you'll probably be pleasantly surprised. You'll be helping to build skills, confidence, and Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: September 2007